Incorporating the style of their historic 1880s Ohio home in Cincinnati’s historic district into their new home on the sparkling Gulf Coast of Florida was important to homeowners Marnette and Paul Perry. Just steps from the beach and strolling distance to the Old Naples shopping district, their 5,400-square-foot residence was inspired by the historic home they left behind, and their desire for a tropical aesthetic. “The location — a one-third acre in the heart of Old Naples — was everything,” Marnette says.
The couple spent a great deal of time with architects Randall Stofft and John Cooney, as well as builder Scott Weidle, to develop the essential concepts of this British West Indies Colonial-style home. “Every element of this home represents a team effort,” Weidle says. The Perrys also worked very closely with interior designer Molly Grup, making every decision together, a process that included choosing which antiques from Cincinnati to bring with them to the Naples home. “The team paid such attention to the details that I live with and enjoy every day,” Marnette says.
Outdoors, a custom-designed pool by landscape architect Koby Kirwin helps create a tranquil setting. “The design takes advantage of the site’s abundant natural light as well as the indigenous indoor-outdoor lifestyle,” Cooney says.
In the striking foyer, a dramatic floating stairway beneath a soaring 16-foot-high pecky cypress ceiling can be appreciated from almost every angle of the first-floor living spaces. Cooney simplified the lines and adapted the design to West Indies style with wrought iron balusters and ebony handrails. Wide-planked, French sawn oak flooring lends an authentic West Indies feel.
In the dining room, a custom Schonbek chandelier from Wilson Lighting hangs from rift cut oak beams. Ralph Lauren’s woven banana-leaf side chairs echo Baker’s woven benches in the nearby living space, where a skirted sofa and upholstered armchairs are paired with a white cocktail table to lend a more relaxed feel.
The couple’s shared passion for cooking inspired a gourmet kitchen designed by Stofft Cooney Architects and BCB Homes, and crafted by Ruffino Cabinetry. Double islands provide ample working space to prepare meals for entertaining or casual dining. Near the cooktop, a secret cabinet comprised of sliding granite panels was built to house Paul’s collection of 60 culinary herbs and spices.
Inside the bright breakfast room, a hanging lantern lends a rustic feel above striped upholstered chairs. Clustered around Hickory Chair’s “Campagne” rich wood table, they provide the perfect seats to view the home’s sparkling pool and lush gardens. “We spent a long time trying to find materials and colors to match our vision,” Weidle says.
In the master bedroom, the soft color palette was derived from the Persian area rug that the owners brought with them from Cincinnati. “We wanted to pull the bright periwinkle blue from the area rug, freshen it up and make it feel different than it did in their home in Cincinnati,” Grup says. The designer also chose accent pillows in blue hues to adorn Bay Design’s cozy armchairs by the large scenic window.
In the master bath, a crystal chandelier and vanity stool add a touch of sophistication along with John-Richard’s shapely mirror and Lucite side table.
Outdoors, the loggia offers a place to relax on Century Furniture’s “Andulusia” sofa and lounge chairs, and to dine in style on a teak dining table set for eight.
This award-winning British West Indies-style home is traditional yet contemporary and satisfies the owners’ desire for a more relaxed lifestyle. It won top honors for Stofft Cooney Architects and BCB Homes at the annual Collier Industry Building Association Sand Dollar Awards in Naples.
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